Option selection device

Abstract

An option selection system includes at least one manually operable labeled selector switch connected to at least one perceivable indicator device. When the switch is operated, the device provides an instruction. In a retail environment, the switch and indicator device is used to provide an instruction from a customer to a packaging person regarding the type of purchasing desired for the customer's purchase. Multiple switches and indicator are used to provide more complex instructions. Reset systems are employed to clear the indicator devices for the next customer. The indicator device provides visual or auditory instructions. The selector switch is connected to an inventory control system to identify needs for packaging supplies as supplies are depleted. In dining facilities the system may be employed to indicate service on the premises or take-out service. The system is connected to an accounting system to record the appropriate tax treatment for the dining purchase.

1 . An option selection system, comprising:
 at least one labeled selector switch, said selector switch being manually operable;   at least one indicator device, said indicator device being perceivable and connected to said at least one selector switch; and   whereby, when said labeled selector switch is operated, said indicator device will provide at least one instruction.   
   
   
       2 . The option selection system, as described in  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a plurality of labeled selector switches, each of said selector switches being connected to a separately indicating perceivable indicator device; and   whereby, when said plurality of labeled selector switches are operated, said indicator device will provide at least one instruction.   
   
   
       3 . The option selection system, as described in  claim 1 , further comprising a reset switch, said reset switch permitting cancellation of operation of said indicator device after receipt of said instruction. 
   
   
       4 . The option selection system, as described in  claim 1 , wherein said selector switch is an electrical switch and said indicator device is electrically operated. 
   
   
       5 . The option selection system, as described in  claim 1 , wherein said indicator device is selected from the group comprising:
 lamps, light emitting diodes, buzzers, bells, chimes and speakers.   
   
   
       6 . The option selection system, as described in  claim 1 , wherein said indicator device produces electromagnetic radiation in the spectrum between about 400 nanometers and 700 nanometers. 
   
   
       7 . The option selection system, as described in  claim 1 , wherein said indicator device produces electromechanical radiation. 
   
   
       8 . The option selection system, as described in  claim 1 , wherein said labeled selector switch is also connected to an inventory control system and operation of said selector switch decrements a count of an item in said inventory control system. 
   
   
       9 . The option selection system, as described in  claim 1 , wherein said system is installed in a retail sales environment, said labeled selector switch permits selection of a type of packaging desired and said indicator device provides an instruction as to said desired packaging. 
   
   
       10 . The option selection system, as described in  claim 1 , wherein said system is installed in a food service environment, said labeled selector switch permits selection of consumption of food items either of on and off of the premises and said indicator device provides an instruction to indicate said food consumption choice. 
   
   
       11 . The option selection system, as described in  claim 10 , wherein said selector switch is also connected to an accounting system and operation of said selector switch determines tax treatment for a transaction related to said food consumption choice. 
   
   
       12 . The option selection system, as described in  claim 1 , wherein a voice-synthesizer module is connected to said indicator device and provides confirmation of said at least one instruction. 
   
   
       13 . The option selection system, as described in  claim 1 , wherein operation of said at least one labeled selector switch changes labeling of said switch and permits said perceivable indicator device to provide either of a different and additional instruction. 
   
   
       14 . The option selection system, as described in  claim 1 , wherein operation of said at least one labeled selector switch connected to said indicator device provides at least one instruction that further assistance is required.